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West Coast premiership wingman Chris Masten admits it would be “pretty tough” mentally to return to AFL ranks as a top-up player.

The East Fremantle-product finished his 12-year AFL career last year after 215 games and an important role in the 2018 premiership, having been taken with pick three in the 2007 draft, a compensation they got from the Chris Judd trade.

Masten looked into his options after being let go by West Coast, but was not picked up by any other club and instead signed on to play with Perth in the WAFL.

The 30-year-old said if called upon to return to the competition once the season does return, he believed he could physically return to the AFL ranks, but there was more to it than just fitness.

“It’s something you’d have to think about, because you don’t want to turn down the AFL and it’s a big thing,” Masten told ABC Grandstand.

“It is not something you just jump into, well I wouldn’t.

“Whether I can still play footy, I probably can, but mentally I just think it would be pretty tough to do it.”

Camera IconFormer Eagle Chris Masten believes he is a better father and bloke since leaving the AFL system. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

Masten said at the time of parting ways with West Coast, he wanted to keep playing but in hindsight it had worked out well for him post his football career.

“I love my footy and I think that’s why I went and played for Perth, I just wanted to play so much,” Masten said.

“I think I’ve become a better bloke and I am a better Dad because I am not playing footy and you’ve got time to put into other things.

“I was ready to keep going, but it didn’t happen. West Coast and I sort of parted ways.

“Now, after six months out that’s more what I am saying.”

Masten has signed to play for Perth should the WAFL season return this year.